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Western Washington University is a major public university located in Washington State.

Located in the city of Bellingham, WWU is 90 miles north of Seattle, and 55 miles south east of Vancouver, British Columbia, the other side of the Canadian border. The campus is situated between the Sehome Hill Arboretum and Bellingham Bay and it is within easy reach of a number of outdoor activities. There are over 40 parks and trails within the 28 square miles that make up Bellingham’s city limits. Its city centre enjoys a buzzing café scene, and is full of markets, bookshops, boardwalks and theatres. The area also enjoys good access to volcano Mount Baker and the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

WWU was founded in 1893. Known by its current title since 1977, its former names have included New Whatcom Normal School and Western Washington College of Education. Students at WWU can now choose from more than 150 different subjects.

WWU has conferred master’s degrees since 1947, the year it launched its first education MA.

WWU counts Robert Angel, the creator of popular game Pictionary, and Ben Gibbard, lead singer and guitarist of alternative rock group Death Cab for Cutie, among its alumni.

Description

With 15,000 students, 160 academic programs, and an energized campus community, Western offers the focus on students and the faculty access of a smaller college and the academic choice, resources, multicultural diversity, and room to grow of a large university. Not so big that you feel like a number; not so small that you have to conform to a mold. Large enough for you to define yourself and small enough that you make a difference.

Western Washington University by Numbers:

-#2 Top Public Schools in the West (US News & World Report, 2018)

-19:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

-Top 10 for grads who go on to earn research doctorates (Survey of Earned Doctorates)

-96% of graduates were in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Studying Here

Collaborate and Achieve Success

At Western you will receive personal attention to ensure you achieve your goals. 99% of all classes are taught by faculty, many holding the highest degree in their field. You will collaborate with professors and other students in small classes, so you can fully engage with new ideas.

Leading Research to Change the World

From the moment you arrive you will be a part of a community committed to world-leading research. As a mostly undergraduate university, you will have access to research positions where you will gain practical experience in your field.

Explore Your Interests

A strong liberal arts tradition means ambitious students like you can explore every interest. Your degree will be a combination of classes focused on your chosen field, with the freedom to learn in other areas. With this varied approach to learning you will become a well-rounded citizen, able to communicate effectively and look at problems in new ways.

Prepare for Your Future

You will be supported by mentors and have access to career services to seek opportunities and grow your network. Students at Western go on to exciting careers for leading global companies including Microsoft, Boeing and Amazon. You will graduate from Western as a dynamic professional, ready to make a difference in the world.

The Bellingham Lifestyle

Bellingham is a safe, clean city where community and adventure meet. You will quickly feel at home here, where you can relax on Western’s green campus, head to the vibrant downtown for coffee shops, live music, and a thriving arts scene, or join the action in the annual Ski to Sea race.

Share the Experience

Life at Western means getting involved and having a passion to try new things. With over 200 student clubs and organizations you will never be short of things to do. Visit the Underground Coffeehouse on campus for great coffee, food, and live music, cheer on the Vikings at a game, or simply relax across Western’s 215-acre campus with ample green spaces and captivating sculptures.

Discover Iconic Cities

Bellingham is located between the big cities of Vancouver B.C, Canada and Seattle, Washington. With an easy drive or train ride from Bellingham you can experience the best features of city life. Visit the world famous Space Needle or Pike Place Market in Seattle, or visit the world renowned Stanley Park in Vancouver for an exciting day out.

Live on a Green Campus

As one of the first environmental colleges in the nation, students at Western take pride in the community commitment to sustainability. Every year, students vote to continue the 100% renewable energy program on campus, and the University Dining Services has zero-waste initiatives at all dining locations. You will love living on a green campus with fresh air and great scenery.

Feel at Home

You can live in one of 16 residence halls at Western, each with its own unique architecture and community. Most offer double rooms with shared living spaces, allowing you to easily make new friends and integrate to life here. There are residences to suit all lifestyles, whether you want to live in alcohol-free areas or with students who share your academic interests.

Get Involved

All students are encouraged to join the Western community by getting involved on campus. You can try something new in over 200 student-led clubs, 30 intramural sports, a debate team, comedy troupe, and many more academic, community services, arts, and professional societies. Explore your interests while meeting new people and building lasting relationships.

Explore rankings data for Western Washington University

All ranked institutions have an overall score and 4 pillar scores. However for each pillar, only institutions ranked in the top 500 overall or the top 500 in this pillar have a publicly visible score

Key statistics

$43,733

Salary after 10 years

(1)

$21,567

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees

(1)

$10,350

On-campus Room and Board

(1)

57 : 43

Student Ratio of Females to Males

(2)

13,726

Number of FTE Students

(2)

17.7

No. of students per staff

(2)

1%

Percentage of International Students

(2)

Based on data collected for the (1) 2019 US Rankings and (2) 2019 World University Rankings